Thursday #Review - Ally (Nemesis #2) by Anna Banks #YALit #SyFy

The thrilling sequel to Nemesis from Anna Banks, the New York Times-bestselling author of the Syrena Legacy

Princess Sepora of Serubel and King Tarik of Theoria have formed an uneasy truce between their kingdoms since the deadly plague began to rip through Theoria. Since their feelings for each other are entangled in politics and power, they must use their own trusted resources to find common ground.

But when traitors with powerful allies arise from unexpected places, Tarik and Sepora face challenges that will change both of their kingdoms forever. Will they learn whom to trust―including each other―in time to save their kingdoms, their relationship and even their lives?

Ally, by author Anna Banks, is the second part of the Nemesis duology. One final time we dive back into the lives of Princess Sepora of Serubel and King Tarik of Theoria. Banks alternatives each chapter between the two characters, which pretty much means they get equal storylines. As the story picks up, Sepora has chosen not to Forge any more spectorium, but there are those who are eager for her to continue. Like her own father. Like Tarik. Both believe that with the pending war on the horizon, spectorium is necessary to win. But, that is only the tip of the iceberg.

At the same time, Sepora and Tarik are soon to be married, and marrying means a royal engagement procession through all of the neighbors both rich, middle class, and poor. But, obstacles stand in their way. Obstacles which include Sepora's parents being around and under foot and constantly grating on the nerves of everyone. If you really want to uncover the key player in this story, please focus your attention on Queen Hanlyn.

One especially heinous truth is discovered during a key moment in one of the opening chapters. This discovery is like a wet blanket over the rest of the story which is really a shame. I do declare that Sepora's refusal to forge is at the very top of the reason why there are so many issues with this story. This one issue alone drives wedges between the couple because she can't find a way to tell the truth about what is really happening, or if she really feels the same way about Tarik. What's worse, is that they are both to blame, and not just one person.

Yet, it is when Sepora herself is kidnapped that the turmoil really begins in earnest and you can say you either loved what the author does at this point, or get angry and toss your book across the room. This is when Prince Sethos shines like a bright light. Let's also add Princess Tulle to that equation as well. As the final chapters are revealed, and war is on the horizon, readers will really get an idea how absolutely perfect the two are for each other, and how they probably should have been given equal star power for not only what they accomplish, but what they bring to the story itself.

In the end, probably not the best finale I've read this year, but the final chapters are entertaining nonetheless.

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Hi, I'm Shelley, an avid book reader from Florida by way of New York. I read and review books of MOST GENRE's for my own personal gratification and don't mind if people disagree with my assessment as long as they respect me.
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